Page 85 - Duane Raleigh - Knots Ropes for Climbers

set: to tighten a knot.

sheath: a kernmantle rope's braided covering. Also called the mantle.

single rope: a dynamic climbing rope designated by the UIAA or CEN as safe for single-strand lead
use.

sling: any tied or sewn loop of webbing or cord.

Spectra: a high-strength fiber used in cord.

static elongation: the amount a rope will stretch under a 176 pound load. This

specification is in reality of little useful purpose.

static rope: a rope with little or no stretch. Rope of this sort is commonly used for rappeling,
spelunking, and "fixing" on big walls. Static rope should never be used for climbing, as it lacks the

ability to absorb the impact force generated in a fall.

stopper knot: any bulky knot tied in the end of a rope. Usually used to prevent rappeling off the end of
the rope.

supertape: a type of thick, tubular webbing, usually 9/16 inch wide.

T

tie-offs: short loops of tied webbing (6 inches or less) used to hitch over pitons to reduce leverage.

tubular webbing: webbing that is woven with a circular, or tubular, construction. Since tubular
webbing is double sided, it is generally stronger and more durable than flat webbing of equal width.

twin rope: a rope designated by the UIAA or CEN as safe for lead climbing only when it is used in
double strands and both strands are clipped to every point of protection. Do not confuse twin ropes
with double ropes. A single strand of double rope will withstand a fall; a single strand of twin rope
will not.

U

UIAA: the Union Internationale des Association d'Alpinisme, an international body that sets
guidelines for climbing equipment and testing.

W

waterproof or dry treatments: the coating given a rope to minimize water absorption.

Some coatings are topical, or applied after manufacturing to the sheath only; superior treatments are
applied during manufacture, so that each fiber is individually coated.